13 useful, sustainable things you didn't know you needed

Every change you make, no matter how small, makes a difference.(Photo: Bee's Wrap / Healthy Human)

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Although we celebrate Earth Day on April 22, more and more people are observing their own version of this eco-friendly holiday every day through their environmental efforts. Consumers are increasingly searching for ways they can make their own impact through reusable products, items made from plastic-free, biodegradable materials, and companies that donate to Earth-friendly charities.

To start stepping up your own green routine at home, look no further than these environmentally minded products.

1. Reusable food wraps made from beeswax

Not only is plastic cling wrap a total pain in the you-know-what, but it's also super wasteful because you really can only use it once, and then you toss it in the garbage bin. Yet, there are plenty of reasons to use plastic wrap in your everyday life. And now there's a much more eco-friendly alternative.

Food wraps made from beeswax not only contain zero plastic, they're also totally organic and super long-lasting. We're talking at least 120 uses before you need to replace them (about a year). And to wash them? All you have to do is wash them with a little soap and cold water. They might be more expensive initially than a roll of plastic wrap, and they're not quite as pliable. But in the long run, you're creating way less waste and you don't need to replace them for a while, which definitely offsets the upfront cost.

2. A netted reusable shopping bag for the grocery store and farmer’s market

Nothing but net.(Photo: NetNeed)

Stash one (or two or three) of these reusable shopping bags in your car, and you’ll have the option to say “No thanks” to the disposable plastic bags at the grocery store. They’re also perfect for toting fruits and veggies from the local farm stand, and can make you feel like a Parisian browsing the wares at a French market. Who said you can’t save the Earth and have style?

All the convenience with a LOT less of the waste.(Photo: Greater Goods)

Greater Goods makes coffee that has it all—beans that have been sourced responsibly, a K-cup that uses a filter instead of plastic, and charitable donations of a portion of their proceeds. And with flavors like the mild Breakfast Blend, the balanced Mountain Blend, and the bold Vista Blend, you’re sure to discover a favorite.

4. A pack of chocolate bars that help endangered animals

Chocolate may not be the healthiest food out there, but at least these are good for the planet.(Photo: Endangered Species)

Enjoy your chocolate with a side of charitable giving. Endangered Species Chocolate crafts all-natural, ethically sourced sweets that also give back—the company donates 10% of its profits to wildlife charities. Choose your favorite animal (each animal is featured with a different kind of chocolate from milk and dark to mint and blueberry) and stock up with a 12-pack from Amazon.

5. A compost bin that you can keep on your kitchen counter

Here’s a neat and tidy way to start composting. You can compost right from the comfort of your kitchen with this ceramic bin that can sit on your counter. Holding three quarts of food scraps, the bin has a drafted bucket shape that allows you to dump scraps without any mess, and it has a charcoal filter that absorbs any odors.

6. A stainless steel compost bin for a more modern aesthetic

This steel composter will look right at home in a modern kitchen.(Photo: Epica)

This composter gets its own entry because, while it serves the same purpose as the ceramic one, it's got a few difference that make it stand out. Namely, the metal it's made of gives it a longer lifespan. It's also super easy to clean, so even if you happen to miss the target when tossing your food scraps in, you won't have to stare at the mess left behind. It's also a personal favorite of one of our editors, who loved how well it kept smells at bay (with the help of a charcoal filter, of course).

7. A set of 4 biodegradable bamboo toothbrushes

Cut back on plastics with these all-natural toothbrushes.(Photo: Wowe)

Another area of your life where you can skip the plastic? Your dental hygiene. These toothbrushes have biodegradable bamboo handles with BPA-free bristles, and they come in a set of four, so you can hand them out to your family members or keep a supply for yourself. And after all that chocolate, you'll be glad to have sustainable toothbrushes on hand.

8. Mason jar lid attachments to get more from your glassware

Get more out of your mason jar collection and cut way back on disposable goods.(Photo: Jarware)

Mason jars can be amazing for everything from storing homemade jams and sauces to pickling veggies to packing salads for lunch and drinking iced coffee, smoothies, and more. And if you have an assortment of specialty lids, you can do even more with your mason jars, making it easy to cut back on things like disposable cups, straws, and containers.

9. A set of 8 reusable straws so you can ditch the plastic ones

It’s said that it may take hundreds of years for plastic straws to break down, which is not good news for straw lovers. However, there's an eco-friendly solution that's elegant too. This highly rated set of steel drinking straws can be used repeatedly (use them at home or take them along to restaurants) and they come with two cleaning brushes, too.

10. A pack of 100 butterfly shapes made of plantable paper

Plant these butterflies and watch them grow into beautiful flowers.(Photo: Bloomin)

Many companies have started to present their products in plantable packaging or create paper items that have seeds in them. These adorable paper butterflies can be used for craft projects or as colorful confetti, then later, they can be planted after soaking them overnight. Voila! You’ll have a garden of gorgeous flowers, all because you reused some paper products.

11. Finger paints free of chemicals that can harm the environment and kids alike

Get in touch with your inner artist using these eco-friendly finger paints.(Photo: Uncommon Goods)

Fewer chemicals can potentially translate to positive benefits for the environment and our health, which is the thinking behind these eco-friendly finger paints. Made using plant extracts like purple sweet potato and blue gardenia, these are paints that parents can feel good about.

12. Laundry detergent that’s better for the environment and your family

Skip the chemicals the next time you wash your clothes.(Photo: Good Natured Brand)

Your laundry routine can be a great place to start if you want to go green. This all-natural laundry soda has no chemicals, and it lasts a long time (52 loads long), which means you’ll be using less water. And you can’t go wrong with the fresh rosemary scent.

13. A cute water bottle that you can use over and over again

A good water bottle show fit your style and be easy to keep nearby all day long.(Photo: Healthy Human)

You don’t have to continually throw out those plastic bottles of water just to stay hydrated. Instead, purchase a reusable water bottle, like this vibrantly hued one that's made of stainless steel and has a double-wall design to keep hot drinks hot for up to 12 hours and cold drinks cold for a full 24 hour period. With over 2,000 reviews and 4.6 out of 5 stars, the Healthy Human bottles are a great choice to waste less while still staying hydrated.